South Africa is a third world country yet it has the first-world talent which should be showcased, according to Elsubie Verlinden founder of 33 and me Model and Artist Management and regional director of The Applause Rising Talent Showcase.
Every year the International Arts Talent Showcase comes to South Africa to search for local entertainers, both young and old, in various faculties such as singing, dancing, acting and modelling.
The Arts is a family-owned and operated organisation, founded by a talent scout Kim Meyers. The International Arts Talent Showcase is the South African sister branch of the Arts – this is an annual event that happens in Orlando, Florida and is run by Verlinden.
She said, “As an aspiring model from East London having moved to Johannesburg seeking opportunities within the modelling industry, I was rejected by every single modelling agency due to my height which dampened my spirit. However, after a few months, I decided to take matters into my own hands and teamed up with Meyers to bring the showcase to South Africa.”
Verlinden emphasised that this is not a competition of any sort, but a platform where the primary focus is on arts education in South Africa. This talent showcase is to allow artists longevity within the entertainment industry.
There are only a selected few who go through to the next rounds of the event. They are then taught the basics of the entertainment industry to prepare them for the real world. The information that these entertainers get will assist them as they continue their journey to become successful entertainers said Meyers.
Verlinden said that she has provided countless young South Africans exposure to top educational outlets in the United States of America, for example, Shandre Cloete who appeared in Taylor Swift’s music video Bad Blood.
Verlinden said, “I enjoy working with talented artist and students that have a passion for learning and who are eager to succeed.”
The last round of auditions will take place on the 8 June in Johannesburg to find out more information please email: reception@artsafrica.co.za or creativedirector@33andme.co.za
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